Through Round Three of the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), the $10.22 million project to flood-proof essential water and wastewater assets across Central Victoria has been cost shared by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
The Resilient Water Infrastructure: Protecting Central Victoria from Future Flood Disruptions Project will relocate and elevate high-voltage systems at Eppalock Pump station and retrofit 10 flood-prone sewer stations in Rochester.
Works are expected to begin in 2026 and is being led by Coliban Water in partnership with Central Highlands Water and is estimated to take five years to complete.
Further announcements about projects funded under Round Three of the Disaster Ready Fund will be made shortly.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
“Under our government’s flagship DRF, we are providing $1 billion over five years to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.
“These upgrades to water infrastructure across Central Victoria will deliver scalable climate-resilient infrastructure to protect the over 200,000 people who depend on these services during an emergency.
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Climate Adaption and Resilience, Kate Thwaites:
“These projects will make a real difference for local communities, helping ensure people, businesses and emergency services are better equipped to manage future disasters.
“By supporting Central Victorian communities — home to some of the state's finest natural spaces and produce growers, we are strengthening resilience where it matters most.
“The DRF is helping communities across Australia prepare for the increasing challenges of more frequent and intense disasters.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP:
“This funding is practical and what’s needed to help Coliban Water to have the infrastructure it needs to flood-proof essential water and wastewater assets protecting services for over 200,000 people, minimising flood recovery costs, and improving regional preparedness.
“The Albanese Government understands that by investing in ongoing disaster mitigation, we can proactively deliver meaningful projects that curb the devastating impact of floods, fires and other types of disasters rather than just react to events.”
